A Tale of Two Eds

Portsmouth Mens 4s came from behind three times to draw 4-4 with Basingstoke 5.

The home side got off to an awful start, falling 2-0 behind within the first six minutes from two short corners. Alan Duffy pulled one back shortly after - a ball into the D was laid-off nicely towards the goal by Louis Gaskin, with Duffy in the right place to slot home.

Alan Duffy equalised for Portsmouth 20 minutes later, with Lucas Carkeek-Blakley providing the assist for Duffy's 16th goal of the season. However, the score was not to be level for long as Basingstoke went in front again a few minutes later to make it 3-2 to the away side at half-time.

Within 10 minutes of the restart, Portsmouth equalised again. This time through Ed Haskett with his first goal for the club. A breakaway for Portsmouth saw Alan Duffy pick out Ed in plenty of space who, despite the bobbling ball, expertly struck on the half volley to leave the opposition goalkeeper (and everyone else) in disbelief.

Basingstoke refused to lose heart and went in front for a third time to make it 3-4 with 15 minutes left to play. With time running out, it looked like it wouldn't be Portsmouth's day, but a short corner in the final 5 minutes gave the home side a glimmer of hope to salvage a point. The ball was initially cleared, but was quickly recovered by Portsmouth and fired across the D to find Louis Gaskin, who cooly converted to make the final score 4-4.

The result continues Portsmouth's strong start two 2024, having claimed 11 points from a possible 18 and losing just the one match.

Full time: Portsmouth 4 4-4 Basingstoke 5

Man of the Match: Ed Haskett - for scoring his first goal for the club in spectacular fashion.
Dick of the Day: Ed Haskett - for falling over on several occasions and missing chances that were much easier than the one he actually scored.